Usher in 2014 with Polar Run & Dunk

What better way to make a splash for 2014 but with the Polar Run and Dunk.

This winter race duo will be held on Wednesday, New Year’s Day, at Eagal Lakes Resort in Tracy. Included is a five-kilometer run or walk with an optional cool-down Polar Bear Dunk at the finish.

Organizers say that this post-race celebration will “warm you up with heaters, hot food, hot chocolate and coffee.”

Warning: The water is described as a “frigid ski lake.”

Eagal Lakes is located at 12 W. Lorenzen Road. Gates to the resort opens at 8 a.m.

The inaugural event that benefits over 800 local families during the holidays will kick off with registration and packet pick up at 8:30 a.m.

The Polar Dash is at 9:30 a.m.

Participants can also choose the stay-dry 3.1 mile trail run through natural riparian habitats with varying terrains. That race is scheduled for 10 a.m. followed by the awards ceremony.

Online registration closes Sunday, Dec. 29, with cost at $40 (shirt sizes, at this point, will not be guaranteed).

Cost for day of the race is $45.

Changing rooms are on-site for the soaked participants of the Polar Dunk.

More information can be obtained by calling (209) 640-4252 or logging on to www.eagallakes.com.

Resolution Run

For those looking to ring in the New Year during the countdown to 2014 is the Resolution Run (formerly the Pajama Run) at Fleet Feet, 277 Lincoln Center in Stockton.

This two-mile midnight run or walk actually begins on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, with late registration and t-shirt pickup scheduled from 11 to 11:45 p.m.

Long sleeve t-shirts will go to the first 150 entrants.

Pre-registration period runs through Monday, Dec. 30, with cost at $20. On race day, cost jumps to $25.

Participants may choose to run bundled up in their pajamas or wear their regular workout clothes.

Either way, it’s a family-friendly course that takes place inside the parking lot of Lincoln Center South and Lincoln Village.

Music, hot drinks, and snacks will be provided.

The run or walk will take place come rain or frigid conditions. After that comes the fun stuff, with those taking part having a chance to win over $2,000 in merchandise and gift certificates via a drawing.

That part will take place at about 12:30 a.m.

Music will be played until 1 o’clock.

For more information, call Tony Vice at Fleet Feet Stockton, 209-952-1446, or log on to www.fleetfeetstockton.com.